What is post-nasal drip?

Post-nasal drip is when mucus from your nose or sinuses drips down the back of your throat. This can sometimes cause a cough.

What symptoms are related to post-nasal drip?

If you have post-nasal drip, you may have symptoms such as a:

• blocked or runny nose
• cough
• 'tickle' in your throat or a sore throat
• build-up of mucus in your throat
• hoarse voice
• need to clear your throat often

What causes post-nasal drip?

Common causes of post-nasal drip include:

• hay fever
• sinusitis — inflammation of the hollow spaces between and behind the eyes, forehead and cheeks
• viral infections such as a cold
• reflux
• tumour (rare)

Cold air and certain medicines may also cause post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip can also be a sign of a foreign object in the nose. This is more common in children.

How is the cause of post-nasal drip diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose post-nasal drip by asking questions about your symptoms and by examining you.

If you've had post-nasal drip for a long time, you may need further tests such as endoscopy or imaging tests.

When should I see my doctor?

Post-nasal drip is usually not dangerous. You should see your doctor if your symptoms don't go away after treatment.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent care if you have:

• blood in your mucus
• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• bad-smelling discharge

How is post-nasal drip treated?

The treatment for post-nasal drip depends on its cause.

Self-care at home

There are several things you can do to help ease symptoms:

• Drink more fluids (preferably water) to thin out the mucus.
• Use a saline nasal spray. Ask your pharmacist which one will suit you best.
• Gargle with salty water 3 or 4 times a day.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Avoid substances that cause dehydration, such as alcohol and caffeine. These can worsen your symptoms.
• Avoid common irritants such as cigarette smoke.

Medicines for post-nasal drip

If your post-nasal drip is caused by hay fever, your doctor may suggest medicines such as:

• antihistamines
• decongestant medicines
• steroid nasal sprays
• saline nasal spray

These medicines may help relieve your symptoms.

If your post-nasal drip is caused by sinusitis from a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

Other treatment options

If your post-nasal drip is caused by reflux or asthma, you should talk with your doctor about getting the right treatment for your situation.

What are the complications of post-nasal drip?

Post-nasal drip can cause a chronic cough. This can be uncomfortable, but isn't usually dangerous.

Can post-nasal drip be prevented?

Post-nasal drip can't always be prevented.

If your post-nasal drip is due to hay fever, you can reduce your symptoms by avoiding things you are allergic to. If you don't know what is triggering your hay fever, speak with your doctor who can refer you for allergy tests.

Resources and support

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology website offers information on sinusitis, hay fever and allergies.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria. A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

NACCHO can help you find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

The ASCIA website has information on asthma and allergy that can be easily and automatically translated into 20 community languages.